Toilets are not trash cans.
Flushing Wipes
What happens when we flush wipes?
Many Wipes (such as personal hygiene, baby and cosmetic wipes) do not break down in the sewer system and cause untreated sewer backups when they stick to grease in the line or get stuck in smaller pipe joints. Toilets aren’t trash cans! (Check out this great video by ATTN:). Do not flush wipes, diapers, or anything else besides human waste and toilet paper.
Wipes in the NYC sewer line. Image courtesy of NYC Water.
Many houses in Rockland County use septic systems. These items and more can still lead to raw sewage discharges that can seep into our groundwater or surface waters when not properly managed. EPA has summarized septic care and maintenance here: EPA Septic Smart!
Click here for additional cited works & resources.
Contact
Jennifer Zunino-Smith
Environmental Resource Educator
jmz75@cornell.edu
(845) 429-7085 x125
Last updated August 15, 2022